“Smile: For The Camera #5” – A Runway Worthy Finale

The Run Down

Well, here we are. After as many months, we’re on the fifth and final issue of Hannah Rose May’s fantastic “Smile: For The Camera”! In the previous issue, it inevitably all came down to Ivy after she witnessed the death of another one of her friends. Upon going to reporters, Ivy begins filling the holes with all of the dirt, one by one. Will she make it out alive, or be buried by her demon? Come find out with me as we take a look at “Smile: For The Camera #5”!

Writer: Hannah Rose May
Artist: Miriana Puglia
Colorist: Dearbhla Kelly

The Writing

If it isn’t too much to say, this was arguably a perfect run from start to finish. What Hannah Rose May and crew crafted here was utterly amazing. From the first page to the last, I was absolutely stunned and hooked. All of the messaging about the entertainment industry and what it does to women’s mental health was extremely on point and topical. For that alone and how brilliantly it was written, this is a run that deserves way more recognition.

There wasn’t a single point in any issue where I felt bored or wanting to put the book the down. While Hannah Rose May is deservedly getting praise for “The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace,” she deserves just as much praise for “Smile: For The Camera.” Every issue answers whatever questions raised in the previous, leaving you at some of the most jaw dropping cliffhangers of the year. I can’t sing the praises for this enough and I highly recommend buying the trade paperback when it releases if you haven’t been keeping up!

The Art

Just like with Hannah Rose May, I don’t know what to say here that I haven’t already said about the previous issues. Miriana Puglia and Dearbhla Kelly once again both killed it as they always do (just look at “Justice League: Dream Girls” if you need a prime example of Kelly’s work)! Miriana still, this many issues in, makes me question everything I see until the final moments. Which smiles are real and which are the demon at work? Are these moments happening in Ivy’s head or are we seeing things in motion? Only a true artist can consistently make you feel that much tension on every page turn.

As for the colors, Kelly matches the vibes perfectly just like always. She really knows how to bend the use of color to her will, making them a distinct style. Seeing just how many colors she uses and blends together consistently makes me believe I’m looking at the real world. Albeit a somehow more horrifying version of it.

Final Thoughts

From the first page of issue #1 to the final page of issue #5, “Smile: For The Camera” is a horror story for the ages. What Rose May, Puglia and Kelly crafted throughout is simply astonishing and something I’ll never cease to recommend. Brilliance in motion is all I can say and I’m beyond sad that it’s ending. I can’t wait to read more from Hannah Rose May and am super excited to see whatever she has cooking next!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Were you reading “Smile: For The Camera”? Are you also a fan of Hannah Rose May, Miriana Puglia or Dearbhla Kelly? Let’s discuss in the comments below!